- Set up your hydroponic system. Decide on a budget and then build the system. Low-budget hydroponics can be done with a trough that has a hole drilled into each end to allow for the attachment of flexible tubing, two buckets, and an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. By placing the first bucket on a shelf above the trough, a gravity-based system can be set up. Fill the upper bucket with fertilizer solution. Fill the lower bucket and trough with water. Fill the tubes with water as well. The trough will contain gravel and water. Secure the plants in the gravel. Water will flow up to the upper bucket via a siphon action and the rest of the system will work by gravity. If used in a greenhouse situation, no electricity is necessary.
- For indoor hydroponics, grow lights are essential. While normal incandescent bulbs can be used, grow lights or plant lights are superior. Plant lights emit the correct wavelengths of light for optimal plant growth. Set them 12 to 24 inches above the plants to achieve maximum plant growth. Add timers to the lights so that plants get the proper light cycle. Allow for eight to 10 hours of light per day.
- Air flow is critical for healthy plants. This is especially true for indoor hydroponic gardening. A small rotating fan can be used to simulate wind. Allow the fan to run for several hours every day.
- Pollination must occur for plants to fruit. If you are growing vegetables hydroponically indoors, then pollination must be done by hand. Use a small, soft paint brush and "paint" inside each flower. Go from flower to flower without cleaning the brush; just a bee would do outdoors. Combined with good airflow, hand pollination will result in optimal fruit production.
- There are systems available for tabletop hydroponic growing. The AeroGrow® garden combines hydroponics and grow lights into an all-in-one system that fits easily onto any tabletop. This type of system will allow you to grow vegetables, herbs or flowers indoors on a counter or table. Unlike traditional systems, these systems are attractive and can be set out in a living room or kitchen. All-in-one systems are great for beginners.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -